Sunday Polish Bike Marathon race in Podwarszawskie Markach was to be a sporting holiday full of passion and adrenaline. Instead, he brought great sadness. Two participants – 30-year-old Michael and 71-year-old Kazimierz – died on the route on a hot day. Their bodies were found near the finish line, and the causes of the tragedy now explain D.A..
What happened on the tour?
The race started in difficult conditions – the temperature reached 36-40°C. The organizers shortened their distances and added more water points to ensure safety. However, two cyclists did not reach the end.
30-year-old found on Sunday
The first contestant, Michael of the Caten Wyszków team, was found about three kilometres ahead of the finish line. The paramedics tried CPR, but it didn't work. His death quickly confirmed the service and organizers.
Searching for a 71-year-old
The second contestant, Kazimierz Niewiarowski of Przasnysz – an experienced MTB cyclist and multiple winners of local competitions – disappeared on the route. The search action lasted several hours. They took part in it Police, the fire department, military And volunteers. A man's body was found Monday morning in the woods, just 700 meters from the finish line.
Organizers' response and condolences
The organizers of the Polish Bike Marathon, led by Grzegorz Wajs, quickly issued statements. They expressed deep sadness and expressed their condolences to the families of both masters. In the case of Kazimierz, they stressed that he had previously been advised not to start because of health problems and the risk of dehydration. Despite this, the player decided to take off on a shorter MINI distance.
We don't know exactly what happened. All procedures and investigation are ongoing," said TVN24 reporter Grzegorz Wajs, organizer of Poland Bike Marathon.
The man admitted that a 71-year-old cyclist complained on the day of the race for dehydration caused by poisoning three days ago. – We advised him not to start, but he said he came here to win and he knows it. He refused to listen to us," Wajs noted.
"The participant of our competition Mr Kazimierz is dead. We offer our deepest condolences to our families and loved ones," they wrote on Facebook.
Safety on bike marathons – what is worth remembering?
If we had it organized in open ground, it would be cancelled for a hundred percent. Here, 95 percent of the route went through forest areas, of which 90 percent was deciduous forest. There was no heat like outside the forest," said Gronowski.
As he assured, additional water buffets and water curtains were prepared on the race route. "We reduced all distances by seven kilometres, expecting temperature peaks," he added.
The cyclists race under different conditions, from frost to very high temperatures. Such a temperature is not something new for them, they ride not only in Poland but also in various warm countries – said Grzegorz Wajs.
